Dua Yunus | La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka — Text & Audio
Dua of Yunus (also known as “La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka”) is a powerful supplication that holds immense significance in Islam. This heartfelt dua was recited by Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) from the depths of darkness — inside the belly of the whale — turning to Allah with utmost sincerity and humility.
This article will explore the meaning, benefits, miracles, and authentic hadith references regarding Dua Yunus, and how believers today can benefit from this timeless supplication.
Arabic Text of Dua Yunus
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Dua Yunus English Transliteration
Laa ilaaha illaa Anta, subhaanaka innee kuntu minaz-zalimeen
Dua Yunus Meaning
There is no deity except You; Glory be to You! Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.
Related Articles You Might Love:
- Dua When It Rains and Thunders
- Dua for Rain
- Dua When Wearing Clothes
- Dua Before Entering Toilet and After Leaving
Context of Dua Yunus in the Qur’an
This dua appears in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:87). Prophet Yunus عليه السلام made this dua when he was swallowed by the great fish, and in that moment of total helplessness, he turned to Allah in repentance and glorification.
“And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, ‘There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers. — Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:87
Hadith on the Virtue of This Dua
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The supplication of my brother Yunus: ‘La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu mina al-zalimeen’, no Muslim supplicates with it for anything, ever, except Allah responds to him.”
— [Tirmidhi, Hadith 3505]
This authentic hadith highlights the miracle of Dua Yunus — that whoever recites it with sincere faith and tawakkul (reliance on Allah), their dua will not be rejected.
Dua Yunus Benefits
- Relief from Distress
Dua Yunus is prescribed for times of hardship, sadness, and depression. Just like Prophet Yunus عليه السلام was saved from the darkness of the whale and the ocean, this dua can be a spiritual light in moments of difficulty. - Acceptance of Duas
As mentioned in the hadith above, this dua has a unique status: it guarantees response. Therefore, it’s widely used by Muslims for making personal duas — whether it’s for health, marriage, forgiveness, or rizq. - Acknowledgment of Fault and Repentance
The phrase “inni kuntu mina al-zalimeen” is an honest admission of one’s own mistakes. It teaches humility and the importance of returning to Allah after sin or error.
How and When to Recite Dua Yunus?
There is no specific time restriction for reciting this dua. However, the following occasions are especially blessed:
- During tahajjud (night prayer)
- In sujood (prostration)
- After obligatory prayers
- In times of calamity, anxiety, or uncertainty
- When seeking forgiveness
Many believers also recite this dua 100 times a day, seeking closeness to Allah and protection from hardship.
Conclusion
In every moment of darkness, there is a light — and Dua Yunus is that light for the believer. It’s a whisper from the heart, a call for mercy, and a surrender to the One who hears even the silent tears.
Just as Prophet Yunus عليه السلام found relief in the depths of despair, may we too find peace by turning to Allah ﷻ with these powerful words:
La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimeen.
May Allah allow us to memorize it, internalize its meaning, and recite it in moments of joy and sorrow. Ameen.
